The city of Renton received an award for its work on the Rainier/Grady Junction Transit-Oriented Development subarea.

The Puget Sound Regional Council awarded Renton with a VISION 2050 Award for the Rainier / Grady Junction TOD Environmental Impact Statement and Planned Action Ordinance for the Rainier / Grady Junction TOD at the Oct. 13 Renton City Council meeting.

The city’s planning efforts in the area are expected to result in housing and other development around the future transit center, including employment opportunities, retail spaces, and recreational amenities. Both the Environmental Impact Statement and Planned Action Ordinance introduced a more streamlined review process for developers.

According to a press release from the city, the project evaluated a range of options to improve connectivity, safety, and mobility, while minimizing environmental impacts and supporting growth. They said the project “balances technical feasibility with environmental benefit and public input.”

“The Rainier/Grady Junction Transit-Oriented Development is an example of our city’s commitment to smart long-range planning to welcome growth and accommodate housing density. Projects like this give better access to transit options and increase walkability and livability here in Renton,” Mayor Armondo Pavone said.

Adopted by the city of Renton in November 2021,The Rainier/Grady Junction TOD subarea plan outlines a plan for the redevelopment of the area surrounding the Renton Transit Center, including bus rapid transit service to support transit-oriented growth. Work first began on the plan after Sound Transit chose the intersection of Rainier and Grady for a new transit center.

The VISION 2050 Awards celebrate progress that enhances the region’s communities and natural environment while advancing equity and opportunity for all. The awards recognize innovative work in the region to create a better future for central Puget Sound.